‘I’ll need to have a word’ – Strachan to issue stern warning to Celtic player

Scotland manager Gordon Strachan has admitted that he will have to have a word with Celtic striker Leigh Griffiths to ensure he doesn’t cause any controversy on Sunday.

Griffiths, 27, is known for making headlines for the wrong reasons with some of his celebrations and emotions may peak this weekend if Scotland win against Slovenia and book their spot in the World Cup qualifier play-offs.

Three points for the Tartan Army in Ljubljana on Sunday will ensure them of second spot in their qualifying group and could potentially see them have a two-legged play-off match in November, where they will play for the right to take part in the World Cup in Russia next summer.

Strachan is wary that Griffiths could stir up some controversy given his track record, and has suggested that he will issue a stern warning to the Hoops forward before the game.

When asked about giving the ex-Hibernian ace a warning, Strachan was quoted by the Daily Record as saying: “You might be right, yeah. That is something I’ll have a conversation with him about. I’ll need to have a word.”

Griffiths is likely to earn his 16 international cap for Scotland against Slovenia and will no doubt be hoping to add to his three goals, all of which have come in this qualifying campaign.

He has been on top form for Celtic this season after being handed more of a first-team role thanks to Moussa Dembele’s on-going fitness struggles.

The Scot has scored seven goals and supplied seven assists in 15 appearances across all competitions in Brendan Rodgers’ side so far this campaign.